Where Delhi meets the Mahatma

File photo of Mahatma Gandhi with his grandchildren at Binka House, New Delhi, in 1940. Getty Image

Rajghat, the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, is a spot that draws the most visitors among scores of places dedicated to the freedom fighter. However, that does not go to say that the other locations do not witness regular footfalls by admirers.

At Gandhi Smriti, one sincerely bows down with respect to pay homage to the Mahatma. In fact, Gandhians insist that the place calms visitors, making them aware of the powerful “vibrations” that pervade the atmosphere.

Says Aniruddha Mayee, an advocate, “I used to visit Sabarmati Ashram regularly while residing in Ahmedabad. After shifting to Delhi, I go to both Rajghat and Gandhi Smriti. Visiting these places, one realises that simplicity and humility are the hallmark of great men.”

The advocate says that his son had enjoyed a visit to the Tees January Marg exhibition and memorial, when taken there by his school recently.

In fact, taking students to Rajghat and Gandhi Smriti once in a year has become a trend with almost all government and private school in the capital. “It serves as good exposure for the children, who witness violence in present world — day in and day out,” says Anupam Mishra, editor of Gandhi Marg and a staunch follower of the freedom fighter.

Although places associated with Gandhi are mostly visited by tourists, a substantial number of Delhiites also turn up to pay their respects. “Delhiites turn up in large numbers (at Rajghat) to pay tribute to Gandhi on October 2 and January 30, despite hurdles caused due to VIP movement on those days,” Mishra says.

According to Mishra, Valmiki Mandir on Mandir Marg seems to be the only Gandhi-related monument that has been forgotten by the people. “It seems to have been completely erased from public memory,” he says. Gandhi crossword